n. a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified

Etymologies

Middle English matrone, from Old French, from Latin mātrōna, from māter, mātr-, mother; see māter- in Indo-European roots.

(American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)

From Middle English, from Old French matrone, Latin matrona ("married woman"), from mater ("mother") (Wiktionary)

Examples

"On my way there I spotted a young matron with three children in baggy pants, oversize shirts, and hats with the brim in the back" - I have only this to say regarding said "matron" - she is a failure as a parent.

But since the matron was abolished and nurses no longer have responsibility for the cleanliness of the ward, we're apparently unable to manage such complex tasks as emptying bins and washing water jugs.